10 Best Movies Like Longlegs

Summary Longlegs successfully blends the crime and horror genres, appealing to a wide audience with its unique storytelling and visual style.

Nicolas Cage's hidden role in the film created mystery and excitement among horror and film fans, drawing them to theaters.

Longlegs shares similarities with iconic films like Silence of the Lambs and Zodiac, proving that inspiration and unique storytelling can lead to success.

Longlegs is a newly-released crime-horror film starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. It has been majorly successful upon release and appeals to many audiences with its crime themes, in addition to it being a horror film. The crime and horror genres don't typically mix often, especially today, but the two go hand in hand. This film absolutely proves the success it can still have.

Horror and film fans in general rushed to theaters this summer to see who Nicolas Cage played in the film, which was successfully hidden in its trailer, creating lots of mystery around the story. Horror-crime films are in a subgenre that isn't talked about enough, and there are plenty of films released in the past that will surely scratch the same itch as Longlegs.

Related All 10 Known Times Longlegs Hides The Devil In The Background In the horror film Longlegs, director Osgood Perkins hides the devil in over 15 background frames, proving that the devil truly is in the details.

10 Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Greatest All-Time Blend Of Crime & Horror

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Silence of the Lambs is compared to Longlegs more than any other film, and there are many reasons why. The iconic '90s horror film, directed by Jonathan Demme, features an FBI Agent named Clarice Starling (played by Jodie Foster) and a cannibalistic killer named Dr. Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins). Clarice has an assignment to try and get information from Hannibal, who attempts to manipulate her. This is a pretty clear similarity to Longlegs, which also follows an FBI Agent who has a connection to a killer she is after or up against.

Although some may criticize Longlegs for being so similar to this, it's fine for a director to be inspired by another film. And it is also fine for two directors, or even more, to have the same idea. There is such an interesting dichotomy when testing an FBI agent's morals. Longlegs is also truly unique in its storytelling and visual style, which makes it stand out against other modern horror films.

Silence of the Lambs Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US The Silence of the Lambs follows FBI trainee Clarice Sterling (Jodie Foster) as she hunts a serial killer known as Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). To find the killer, she must place her trust in the notoriously dangerous but brilliant cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). With Buffalo Bill's latest victim the daughter of a U.S. Senator, the pressure is on Sterling to catch the criminal before he can bring his twisted scheme to fruition. Director jonathan demme Release Date February 14, 1991 Writers Ted Tally Cast Scott Glenn , Jodie Foster Anthony Hopkins , Ted Levine , Anthony Heald Runtime 118 minutes

9 Zodiac (2007)

A Horrific True Story From David Fincher

Zodiac is a compelling crime-thriller directed by David Fincher and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. This one stands out as being based on a true story. It follows the investigation of the Zodiac Killer from the San Francisco Bay Area, who toys with the minds of police with letters, as they attempt to decipher what seems like an endless amount of clues that take over their lives and careers.

Because of its horrific scenes, added suspense and mystery surrounding the killer, and the focus on the detectives, fans of Longlegs would absolutely love David Fincher's Zodiac.

Zodiac Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Zodiac is a mystery-thriller film by director David Fincher based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who terrorized San Francisco in the 1960s and 70s. The killer begins sending cryptic messages to various police officers and newspapers, warning them that twelve people, in line with the zodiac, will die if they do not publish his letters. The film shows reenactments of some of the lives that the killer ended but otherwise follows SFPD detectives that spend over a decade trying to find the truth behind the Zodiac's motives. Director David Fincher Release Date March 2, 2007 Studio(s) Phoenix Pictures Writers James Vanderbilt Cast Robert Downey Jr. , Brian Cox Jake Gyllenhaal , Anthony Edwards , Mark Ruffalo Runtime 157 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand

8 The Bone Collector (1999)

A Solid Duo Of Denzel Washington & Angelina Jolie

The Bone Collector, directed by Phillip Noyce, will compel audiences who enjoyed Longlegs with its similar story and characters. It stars Angelina Jolie as Amelia Donaghy, a rookie cop who teams up with Lincoln Rhyme, played by Denzel Washington, who is a much more experienced detective who becomes paralyzed. Amelia goes to him for help, as she has to try and catch a serial killer called The Bone Collector, who leaves behind clues to his murders.

Much like the films previously mentioned, the lead woman is a detective early in her career and has to face a huge and terrifying case of an odd and twisted killer.

The Bone Collector Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US The Bone Collector is a crime thriller directed by Phillip Noyce, starring Denzel Washington as a quadriplegic detective and Angelina Jolie as a young patrol officer. The film follows their efforts to solve a string of brutal murders in New York City, with Washington's character guiding Jolie's through the investigation from his immobilized state. The suspense-driven narrative explores themes of determination and partnership. Director Phillip Noyce Release Date November 5, 1999 Writers Jeremy Iacone Cast Denzel Washington , Angelina Jolie , Queen Latifah , Leland Orser , Michael Rooker Runtime 118 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand

7 Se7en (1995)

Another David Fincher Crime Masterpiece

Se7en is another film directed by David Fincher. It stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin Spacey. Se7en tells the story of a serial killer who bases their crimes off of the seven deadly sins, while homicide detectives are working to solve this case and attempt to get into the mind of the killer to find them.

Any horror and film fan would enjoy films directed by the talented David Fincher. This being the second mention of one of his crime-thrillers, it further proves his understanding of the genre and ability to even shape and define the genre itself, which Longlegs is now included in.

Se7en Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US David Fincher's crime thriller Se7en follows the seasoned Detective William Somerset after he is assigned a new partner, the young and idealistic David Mills (Brad Pitt). The two find themselves investigating a deranged killer staging murders inspired by each of the seven deadly sins. On the hunt for the twisted John Doe (Kevin Spacey) before he can kill again, the two detectives soon discover that they're much deeper into the case than they realized. Director David Fincher Release Date September 22, 1995 Studio(s) New Line Cinema Distributor(s) New Line Cinema Writers andrew kevin walker Cast Brad Pitt , Kevin Spacey Gwyneth Paltrow , John C. McGinley , Morgan Freeman Runtime 127 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand

6 Copycat (1995)

A '90s Thriller Starring Sigourney Weaver & Holly Hunter

Directed by Jon Amiel, Copycat is a chilling '90s mystery-thriller that perfectly belongs on a watchlist with Longlegs. The murderer in this film has a pattern of copying the crimes of the biggest killers in history. The people who work to stop him are two women, a psychologist and a detective, played by Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter.

The horror and thriller genre has some great depictions of women being the leading characters in films like this one. The same is true with Maika Monroe's character of Lee Harker in Longlegs, as her character relates well to the detectives in this one.

Copycat (1995) Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Copycat is a psychological thriller directed by Jon Amiel. The film stars Sigourney Weaver as a criminal psychologist who becomes the target of a serial killer. Holly Hunter co-stars as a detective working to catch the killer. The story delves into themes of fear, crime, and the mind of a murderer. Director Jon Amiel Release Date October 27, 1995 Studio(s) Regency Enterprises Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Writers Ann Biderman , David Madsen Cast Sigourney Weaver , Holly Hunter , Dermot Mulroney , William McNamara , Will Patton , John Rothman , J. E. Freeman , Harry Connick Jr. Runtime 123 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Expand

5 Mandy (2018)

Nicolas Cage Shows His Unhinged Side

Mandy is a horror film that also stars Nicolas Cage, released in 2018. Directed by Panos Cosmatos, Mandy is a bizarre story that takes place in The Shadow Mountains in 1983. Red and Mandy (played by Andrea Riseborough) live together in the once-peaceful mountains until it is destroyed by a cult, sending Red on a journey for bloody revenge.

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For people that do not follow his filmography closely, they may find Cage's appearance in Longlegs surprising and different for him, but he actually has been in many other horror film, proving his range. He was in the 2006 remake of The Wicker Man, Mom & Dad, Willy's Wonderland, and most recently, Arcadia.

Mandy Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US 2018's Mandy is a Horror and Action film starring Nicholas Cage. Written and directed by Panos Cosmatos, Cage plays a recovering alcoholic that lives a solitary life with his girlfriend who ends up kidnapped by a mysterious cult. The remainder of the film sees Cage embarking on a bloody quest for revenge. Director Panos Cosmatos Release Date September 14, 2018 Writers Aaron Stewart-Ahn , Panos Cosmatos Cast Andrea Riseborough , Bill Duke , Linus Roache , Nicolas Cage , Richard Brake Runtime 121 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand

4 The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)

Oz Perkins' First Feature Film

The Blackcoat's Daughter is a film that was also directed by the same director of Longlegs, Osgood Perkins. It follows the story of two girls named Kat (played by Kiernan Shipka) and Rose (played by Lucy Boynton) who have to spend winter break at their religious school. Joan (played by Emma Roberts) finds herself stranded and finds these girls, only to learn that Kat is being stalked by something evil.

The ties to Satanic evil and the mystery that surrounds it, along with Perkins' general tone and directing style make The Blackcoat's Daughter and Longlegs a great pair to watch together.

3 Gretel & Hansel (2020)

A Dark & Gritty Fairytale

Gretel & Hansel is another horror film by Oz Perkins, and is a more recent release in 2020. This terrifying fantasy film tells the classic story of Hansel and Gretel in a dark and twisted way. Often, this is a common theme in horror: taking something not so scary, like a classic children's tale with dark beginnings, and telling the horrific version of the story. However, it's really impressive to pull it off and make it truly horrifying and less corny. Gretel & Hansel does it well.

This 2020 film proved that Perkins was able to blend genres well; something he does to perfection in Longlegs. Gretal & Hansel is a great watch for viewers wanting to familiarize themselves with Perkins' style of horror.

Gretel & Hansel Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Gretel & Hansel is a dark fantasy horror film directed by Oz Perkins. It retells the classic Grimm Brothers' fairytale, focusing on teenage Gretel and her younger brother Hansel, who embark on a perilous journey into a haunted forest. Sophia Lillis stars as Gretel, while Alice Krige plays Holda, a witch who lures the siblings into her sinister home. The film delves into themes of survival and dark magic in a visually eerie setting. Director Oz Perkins Release Date January 30, 2020 Writers Rob Hayes Cast Sophia Lillis , Alice Krige , Jessica De Gouw , Charles Babalola , Samuel Leakey , Ian Kenny Runtime 87 minutes

2 The Empty Man (2020)

An Underrated Crime-Horror Flick

The Empty Man is another recently-released horror-crime film; this one also in 2020. Directed by David Prior, this suspenseful film follows an ex-cop named James Lasombra (played by James Badge Dale,) who investigates the disappearance of teenagers. The locals of the small town believe the one responsible is the urban legend called The Empty Man.

Being that this film follows an investigation of an unknown killer, fans of Longlegs would enjoy this similar tale. The two movies also share absolutely terrifying opening scenes that hook the audience from the get-go.

The Empty Man (2020) The Empty Man is a horror film directed by David Prior, adapting Cullen Bunn's graphic novel. It follows ex-cop James Lasombra, played by James Badge Dale, who investigates the mysterious disappearance of a friend's daughter. His search uncovers a secret urban legend known as "The Empty Man," leading him into a dark world of supernatural phenomena and cult activity. Director David Prior Release Date October 23, 2020 Writers David Prior , Cullen Bunn Cast James Badge Dale , Marin Ireland , Sasha Frolova , Samantha Logan Runtime 137 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand

1 Watcher (2022)

Another Great Maika Monroe Performance

Watcher is a 2022 mystery-thriller starring Maika Monroe. It tells the story of a young actress who begins to notice someone stalking her. She has just moved into a new city with her boyfriend, as she notices this stranger watching her across the street from where she lives. Coincidentally, a serial killer has been stalking the city, and she believes her stalker may be the same person.

This film is the first directed by newcomer Chloe Okuno, and Maika Monroe, the film's protagonist, is also the lead star in Longlegs. With its similar serial killer storyline, characters, and the same main cast member, it's hard to imagine fans of Longlegs not enjoying this one.